Growing pains for the Dubai Metro
Sounds like it has been a rough weekend for the new Dubai Metro.
Some trains were delayed for long periods of time; several passengers reported sitting on trains for hours, without air conditioning, waiting to leave the station. Other passengers weren't sure when the system would start operating, so they crowded stations hours before the first trains were due to leave.
And, of course, there was the breakdown on the first day, which we told you about on Thursday.
But the biggest problem is apparently being caused by passengers. From The National:
"There has been a major issue with people misusing the Metro, pushing the emergency buttons on the train. Possibly they were panicking when stuck at a platform unable to get out, or if a train has stopped."
When the button is pushed, the train is put into emergency mode, shutting down the entire system, Mr Parham said. Trains automatically go to the nearest station.
Still, despite the growing pains, it sounds like passengers are happy with the new system. Not surprising -- certainly beats sitting in a taxi in Dubai traffic. And I'm still amazed that they have wireless Internet on the trains. I can't even get mobile phone service on the D.C. metro.
For updates throughout the day, follow us on 
Twitter, 
Facebook or 
RSS!
Categories: Life and Culture, Regional News, United Arab Emirates
Tags: Dubai Metro, public transportation
No Comments
Post a Comment